Soccer stars line up as charity event gathers pace
LEEDS United assistant manager Glyn Snodin and former Whites forward Noel Whelan have signed up to take part in a charity football match at Elland Road which aims to raise tens of thousands of pounds for children’s charity Barnado’s.
Organisers of the annual fixture have been delighted by the support of Yorkshire’s business community but are urging more organisations and professionals to get involved.
More than 450 people are attending a charity dinner which is being held after the game at Elland Road’s banqueting suite on October 22.
A number of top prizes have been donated for a charity auction which is being held at the dinner, including a guided tour of Leeds United’s Thorp Arch training ground and lunch with the players, Champions League tickets for Anfield and a Harvey Nichols pamper package.
However, organisers are keen for more prize donations to be made.
The football fixture, which has raised more than £30,000 since its inception four years ago, this year will see a team of office and industrial property agents take on a side made up of clients and former professional players.
Both Snodin and Whelan will turn out for the client team, which is being managed by former Hull City, Middlesbrough and Bradford City star Dean Windass, who is the assistant manager at League Two club Darlington.
Other star names are expected to be named for the game which is being refereed by Premier League official Martin Atkinson, who officiated last weekend’s thrilling Manchester derby.
The evening will feature Leeds United legend and England 1966 World Cup winning squad member Norman Hunter as guest speaker and will be compered by Yorkshire Radio’s Ben Fry.
Ian Elsworth, property director at Stirling Investments and one of the principal organisers of the match, said: “We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the response of Yorkshire’s business community in supporting this event which will raise a significant amount for Barnado’s and support the charity’s important work.
“We are very grateful for the support Glyn, Noel and Dean are giving to the event, and we are excited to have them involved, and we will be revealing other footballing legends who will star in the match soon,” added Mr Elsworth, who will captain the client side.
There are still a number of tables of 10 available, priced at £500, including wine.
For further information contact Rupert Visick of Leeds-based industrial property specialist Gent Visick on 0113 2456000 or email rupert.visick@gentvisick.com, or Kirsty Guy on 01748 821295 or email kirstyguy@barnardos.org.uk.
